Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Circlejerking at Copenhagen

The Guardian reports on a leaked "Danish Text" which screws over small countries and developing nations.

The draft hands effective control of climate change finance to the World Bank; would abandon the Kyoto protocol – the only legally binding treaty that the world has on emissions reductions; and would make any money to help poor countries adapt to climate change dependent on them taking a range of actions.

Developed in secret, it is being circulated within those in the inner sanctum of "the circle of commitment" for sign off next week when the big players arrive. As might be expected, those standing by to shafted are not happy as they have now realised Copenhagen is not going to be a source of easy money.

• Force developing countries to agree to specific emission cuts and measures that were not part of the original UN agreement;

• Divide poor countries further by creating a new category of developing countries called "the most vulnerable";

• Weaken the UN's role in handling climate finance;

• Not allow poor countries to emit more than 1.44 tonnes of carbon per person by 2050, while allowing rich countries to emit 2.67 tonnes.

Daily the talkfest becomes more like Circlejerkers Anon. Did we expect anything else?

About Me

Semi-retired, enjoying the rural lifestyle, watching the grass grow and keeping a watchful eye, via my wireless connection at dialup speeds, on the world of rampant local and central government bureaucracy...